What is Arthritis?

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How many joints can you name in your body? I’m sure you will be quick to name the knee Joint or the elbow joint, but there are many other joints in the body like the joints in the hand. Do you know what they are called?

They are called metacarpo phalangeal joints, don’t worry this is not important to remember.

#Arthritis simply means an Inflammation of the joints.

What does this inflammation mean? Simply put inflammation is the changes that occur to a body part due to the effect of something that tries to harm it, these changes include heat, swelling, redness and pain.

Inflammation occurs to protect the body part and help it to heal. inflammation is not the same thing as infection, though an infection can lead to inflammation.

What are the different types of arthritis?

We have defined arthritis but did you know there isn’t one single type?  There are various types which include #osteo arthritis which is the most common and the one people know as arthritis.  Others include #rheumatoid arthritis, septic  and juvenile arthritis.

There are fundamental differences in all of these and I will attempt to explain a few while concentrating on osteo arthritis which is the most common. This occurs when the cartilage of a joint and the bone itself is worn or damaged.

Rheumatoid arthritis on the other hand is an autoimmune disorder, this means the body’s immune system is fighting the body, in this case the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis may lead to deformity.

Juvenile arthritis is a type that occurs in children.

As you can see arthritis is just a blanket term.

Join me tomorrow as we discuss symptoms of osteo- arthritis.

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